Testimonials

Realization that quite possibly I have another five careers in me and that’s quite enlightening to me; I haven’t looked at it like that before.

Mental stimulation, the executive coaching opens up windows for me.  It’s like opening a door and all these opportunities are waiting for me, staring at me in the face and I didn’t even know they were there. It is liberating.

Insights into myself; these sessions are so beneficial, uplifted by them and the energy doesn’t disappear.  It’s constantly in my subconscious and I have a new awareness about what I say, what I do and whose agenda it is.

I am a lot clearer in knowing that I won’t be doing what I am doing now in the next five years.  I understand where I am now.  Previously to this work I was not aware, didn’t have a future.

'Next generation' Leadership Development pilot project (peak body, multi agency)

IB Coaching was commissioned to design, develop and manage an innovative Leadership Development pilot project intended to accelerate development of 'next generation leaders' for a peak body in the state government. IB uses an approach that is a key enabler for this type of project. They have significant experience in USA & Australia and participants can work privately and individually with their executive coach to develop specific leadership competencies. These benefits can then be transferred to the whole department. Below is a testimonial from Colin - one of the key leaders in the project.

IB Coaching approaches the whole leadership-training role from a unique perspective. Merydith does not lecture in a direct sense, rather she builds an initial framework, providing starting cues and ideas, and through the use of self-reflection she allows the participants to create a vision for themselves, allowing you to formulate a development and improvement process that is tailored to your individual needs and leadership style.  The work I have done with Merydith has provided me with a whole new way of approaching my work.  It has given me the tools with which to construct a framework on which I can manage and balance my role.  The process is unique to any other I have experienced.  Through the use of this process I have been able to build on my own personal strengths and develop the tools and formulate a strategy for success that works for me.  I used to work hard without stopping to reflect if I was making the best use of my time. I am now working a lot smarter and as a result have developed a process to improve departmental outputs and reduce stress levels.

Applying a systems approach in the department has lead to:

1. The development of a structured system to achieve the objectives of the department in the most effective and efficient way;
2. A greater understanding of the interdependencies that exist between the various parts of the multi-agency system;
3. The development of structured approaches that bring together the various parts of the multi-agency system;
4. A better understanding of each person's role and responsibilities necessary to achieve our common objective;
5. Understanding the extent of our capability and identifying resource constraints prior to committing to unrealistic targets;
6. Continually improving multi-agency through measurement, evaluation and review.

United Nations Consultant
Richard’s most recent overseas post was as SAR/Emergency Preparedness consultant for the United Nations. In that capacity he worked in Africa on an International Civil Aviation Organization project to improve SAR and emergency preparedness across the continent.  Prior to this posting, he had worked in safety critical areas for most of his working life, 23 years as an air traffic controller of which 12 were as Search and Rescue (SAR) specialist.  For six of those years he was a SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC), and Senior Operations Controller, with the responsibility for activating and running the rescue coordination center (RCC) in accordance with Australia’s international responsibilities under annex 12 to the Chicago Convention.  Richard also worked for Australian Rail Track Corporation for seven years as a senior executive.   As a result of the work he did with IB Coaching, Richard has made a serious career change and also had the confidence to sit for a MENSA test and now holds key leadership positions in this organization. Thanks IB Coaching for your assistance, it has made a huge difference.

GuiQiang Zheng (James)

An executive from Japan and China, James came to Australia to gain his MBA from a University in Adelaide. Merydith provided him with significant support, coaching, and mentoring while he was in Australia.   He had a young family in Beijing and while keen to complete his MBA, it was hard being away from his family and friends. He felt isolated.  It was expected that his stay would not exceed 18 months. Merydith assisted James to make business links and connections that would otherwise have been unavailable to him.  James has since returned to Beijing and promotes IB Coaching at any opportunity he can. He said that IB Coaching made a huge difference to him while he was in Australia professionally and personally. 

Jeff, Corporate Manager
Merydith is a 'chiro' to my mind.  The difference IB Coaching has made to my professional and personal life life is just incredible. My management style has changed enormously and my superiors are noticing.  Nothing will stop me now - I am in control of my life - the world is MY oyster.  Two months later – Jeff has been congratulated by his CEO, HRM, 2IC and Manager about the tremendous changes that he has made with his leadership style.  He contacted IBC to share his excitement and satisfaction at being able to turn a potentially disastrous career situation around.

Reviews from Sex in the Boardroom (leadership book)
PS. It was the title that got me…it sounded intriguing..risky…but yet I knew there was more to it!  Funny how the word “sex” sells or at least catches the eye.  Lynda, HR Manager, Canada

Meanwhile I read the book and as expected: I was not disappointed.  A lot of things that you describe I've seen in practice (currently I just joined my new company and am confronted with the so-called "meeting syndrome". I have to fight to change a culture like this, but finally will succeed). A lot of things not, but can certainly imagine them.  I have already implemented one strategy: having a weekly meeting with myself (in fact already did that, but now I actually plan it in my agenda). Serge, Project manager, Belgium

High School principal
The work I did with IB Coaching and Merydith has been so influential on my thinking. I now know much more clearly where I want to go and how to get there. When I started the executive coaching the issues for me were all in a mist - all jumbled up and I couldn't make out the wood for the trees. I am much clearer now - so the coaching process was excellent - it gave me the clarity I sought. It is interesting also because I have come to terms with a level of ambiguity and can treat this as ok. I felt before that I needed this clearly defined pathway with one step following the other - nice and sequential, etc. Now I know that metaphor doesn't work. I know that with whatever I do it is about a variety of preferred futures that I could pursue (remember I was always happy doing what I am doing for another couple of years) and that there are pros and cons and that there will be losses and gains with whatever I choose to do. Before I felt that it had to be "right" - a perfect fit. Now, as I said, I am comfortable with things being less clear or set in concrete as that. Also I know that I am fearful of the change and that in order to move forward I need to acknowledge that and get on with it. So, thanks again - IB Coaching has made a huge difference to me.

New manager - very capable in technical area but needed assistance with learning how to manage her team.  Areas for improvement identified, strategies put into place to achieve those outcomes.  Within a few months started to lead her team with confidence and clarity.  12 months later – significant changes have occurred.  She has focused on getting the right people in her team, developed strong personal boundaries (inside and outside of work), has been wiling to make tough decisions when necessary and is continuing to lead her team powerfully to achieve outcomes necessary for her department to be successful and viable. Sue - Local Government

..I have received a number of very positive comments from participants and have observed improved workplace attitude, behaviours and performance from the participant who is located nearest to my office... CEO - Government (IB Coaching: Workplace coaching project)

You are a very inspiring person Merydith - combining so many skills and activities under the umbrella of your coaching business IB Coaching.  Thank you! Marie, Executive, Canberra

This next testimonial is from a busy working mother who was caught up in thinking she had to do everything. When she came to IB Coaching she was at the end of her tether and presented with an issue that had no relevance to what was really happening. The process IB Coaching uses assisted her to uncover what was really happening; she was then able to work on the issues that she wanted to change.  Anyone who is caring for children, involved in outside activities and working is generally faced with stress, anxiety and that horrible guilt that seems to pervade our psyche. It doesn’t have  to be like this and Karen discovered ways that she could live a Fantastic Life and also be the wife, mother and career woman that was important to her. You can’t do it all; that’s just a wives tale and all you get is exhausted women who push themselves harder and harder to achieve it. Burnout is huge and many don’t recognize it until they get ill. Karen

This is a testimonial and an acknowledgement of the contribution Merydith has made to my life. We spend a lot of time holding ourselves back and justifying where we are in our lives.  Where to from here??  It’s already inside you, it just needs to be set free.  Where I thought nine weeks ago I had to overcome my fears Merydith and her coaching has taught me to simply live with them.  It’s that simple, if you’re shown how.  At the beginning I was skeptical about having coaching over the phone. However when you are a busy working mother it’s great not having to get ready to go out or spend time in the car to and from an appointment you soon learn this is the most productive hour of your week and being over the phone is extremely convenient and time saving.  I cannot tell you to sign up with IB Coaching but I can tell you this is the best money I have ever spent.  How much value do you place on your future??  The proof is in the pudding, just wait and see.  I never hesitated at giving my children swimming instructing or tennis coaching so why would I hesitate at giving myself Personal Coaching??  Everyone around me is benefiting from my personal growth and development, especially my two boys. 

It's been six months since I finished working with IB Coaching.  It's probably only now that I can fully appreciate the impact of the changes I have made.  My experience of working with Merydith has totally changed my life forever.  Not only can I face my strengths and weaknesses objectively, I can now choose to leave the weaknesses behind.  Never before have I had the courage to take control of my destiny and make clear, calculated decisions about where I'm going in my life and how I'm going to get there.  The impact of my coaching has spread far and wide throughout my family and friends.  When others see such positive changes it inspires them to have a look at where they are in their life and well "if she can do it, so can I",  (BUT...if only they chose to work with IB Coaching the journey would be so much enjoyable!!)  I know my future is going to be great and I know everyone who spends time with Merydith will grow in ways they never dreamed possible.  All it takes is the courage to say YES, I WANT TO CHANGE and Merydith will guide you through the most amazing, inspiring and challenging time of your life.

Don’t hold back for too long, just trust me – you’ll be buzzing with enthusiasm for the future you are going to have. 

Helen, San Francisco, CA, USA
The IB Coaching leader's workshop I attended with other members of the Future Women Leaders group in San Francisco forced me to think about and focus on what my career is bringing me, what I want it to bring me, and what to do about the gap in between.  Merydith's insightful and thought provoking questions were tools that helped me clear the path in my mind so that I could mentally see what it is that I really want.  I would highly recommend the workshop to anyone looking for clarity, direction, and a little push to get things done.

Ireland
Merydith has the ability to work at a very deep level on either business or personal progress.  She has a vast range of experience in working with highly creative clients and organizations.  She uses an intuitive, practical, well researched approach to deliver a client focused service at the top end of the market. Anne - Regional Coordinator for  Coaching organization, artist, published author.

Robyn
Having been diagnosed as having a panic/anxiety disorder, it was very difficult for me to even contemplate what I was going to do on any given day, let alone start working again. I was sent to various employers over a period of months, without success. Then I was sent to IB Coaching to help out with admin work, I had no idea what I was in for as I had never attempted this kind of work before and was therefore quite anxious. Initially I worked for two hours, then eight hours, then 20 hours. I think the administration title was temporary as I soon became Merydith's P.A.  The day I started with Merydith was the day my life was given back to me.  I have never been given such a confidence boost as I was given working for Merydith, each day her skill at coaching was utilized on me. From my first day to my last at IB Coaching I was changed forever and I will never allow myself to ever go back to where I was before IB Coaching.  It has been the most incredible time for me, I am achieving things that I never believed possible but now realize that the potential was always there below the surface, I just had to acknowledge my abilities and accept them as part of me. I have changed so much; my family thinks Merydith is a miracle worker.  In hindsight, I now see that unless we do acknowledge what and who we are and what we are capable of achieving, we will never know our true selves and not knowing our true selves, we are unable to find that elusive inner peace we crave.

Top rating Australian Current Affairs prime-time television - A Current Affair
Wayne’s story - It's a fantastic story about a young man who had never been employed (aged 26).  In four months after his story appeared on A Current Affair and working with IB Coaching, Wayne was employed and happier than he has ever been.  Social isolation, living on the dole and no friends were exchanged for work that he loves, friends, a pay packet and workmates who respect his tenacity for having the courage to put himself in the limelight on a primetime television program not knowing what the outcome would be.  As you can imagine he's delighted with his new life.  Wayne had been a client of IBC's for only four months when he obtained employment. Wayne, Tasmania, Australia

Over the years I’ve tried many treatments and self help ideas.  Some have been OK, others a waste of time and money.  Working with IB Coaching was one of the best things I have ever done.  I found the hardest part was having the courage to make the initial contact.  Merydith is a master at what she does and I acknowledge her for her strength, wisdom and nurturing ways.  She really does care about you”.  Lynne

 

 

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